Imran Khan Expected to Secure Bail Soon in Al-Qadir Trust Controversy
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is anticipated to be granted bail on June 11 in the Al-Qadir Trust case, a senior leader of his party has indicated. This development comes as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares to continue its political struggle with Khan leading from behind bars.
Details of the Upcoming Court Hearing
The Islamabad High Court will hear petitions aiming to suspend the convictions against Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, related to accusations of financial misconduct. The case involves the alleged misappropriation of £190 million that the UK authorities recovered from a prominent Pakistani property billionaire. Since August 2023, Khan has been detained at Adiala Jail amid numerous legal challenges.
PTI Leadership Expresses Optimism
Speaking recently, PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan conveyed confidence that the court will provide relief to Khan and his wife during the hearing. The court session had been postponed earlier to give the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) more time to finalize its arguments.
Background of the Al-Qadir Trust Case
The core of the case revolves around allegations that the Khan government orchestrated the transfer of a frozen sum of £190 million, held by Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA), to offset liabilities of a real estate developer in Pakistan. In exchange, a charitable organization founded by Khan and his spouse allegedly received a land donation from the developer’s firm, Bahria Town. Both Khan and Bushra Bibi are listed as trustees of this trust.
Political Maneuvers and Future Plans
Barrister Gohar Ali Khan revealed plans to collaborate with opposition parties in launching a political movement while Khan continues to guide the party’s strategy from jail. He emphasized the importance of unity among opposition groups for the country’s welfare and security. The PTI is also set to announce its stance on the upcoming budget in a press conference scheduled for June 9.
Earlier, Imran Khan vowed to spearhead protests targeting the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led coalition government despite his incarceration. This sentiment is echoed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Chief Minister and PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur, who warned of a large-scale movement demanding Khan’s release post-Eid Al-Adha.
Context: Legal Challenges and Political Tensions
Khan faces multiple cases and convictions, amidst accusations of election rigging in the February 2024 polls, which he described as the ‘Mother of All Rigging’. He regularly labels rival parties, PML-N and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), as “mandate thieves.” Meanwhile, the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, has invited PTI to engage in negotiations over election law reforms.
Allegations Surrounding Bushra Bibi and PTI Unity
Gohar Ali Khan also raised concerns that Bushra Bibi remains detained without formal charges, implying it is a tactic to pressure Imran Khan. He dismissed rumors of any discord within the PTI and pledged no concessions would be made for Khan’s release.
Origin of the £190 Million Settlement
In 2019, the UK’s NCA imposed freezing orders on bank accounts holding approximately £100 million suspected to stem from bribery and corruption linked to Malik Riaz, a major real estate tycoon. The agency informed the then-government led by PTI. Imran Khan reportedly instructed his aide on accountability to resolve the matter, which culminated in settling the frozen funds against Bahria Town’s liabilities.
Bahria Town Ltd had been implicated for illegally acquiring extensive lands near Karachi. Subsequently, significant land plots were donated to the Al-Qadir Trust, which is solely managed by Khan and Bushra Bibi, raising further scrutiny.
Looking Ahead
As the June 11 court date approaches, all eyes remain on the judicial outcome that could influence Pakistan’s political landscape significantly. PTI’s commitment to continuing its movement under Imran Khan’s leadership — even from prison — underscores the intense political contest brewing in the country.
